FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Returning to the city and university community that helped shape his journey, former Fayetteville State University wide receiver Marquez Beeks came back to Fayetteville on Friday to make a lasting impact on local students through his nonprofit organization, Touching Soles Inc..
Beeks, founder and CEO of Touching Soles, hosted a special community outreach event at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School, where more than 60 pairs of shoes were distributed to selected students in grades six through eight. The event also included lunch for participating students, while community partner Roots Mentoring provided T-shirts to attendees.
A proud alumnus of Fayetteville State University and former member of the Broncos football program, Beeks used the event to encourage students to embrace their potential, pursue their dreams, and recognize the greatness within themselves.
"I think ultimately, whenever you pour into the youth, as we all should do, you get a feeling of hope," said Marquez Beeks. "When you're looking into the eyes of the next generation, the next leaders and lawmakers, they don't even know how great they are yet. That's where those emotions come from. It gives you hope."
The nonprofit's mission is deeply personal for Beeks, who developed the concept for Touching Soles during his final semester at Fayetteville State University. As a lifelong sneaker enthusiast, he wanted to create an organization that would use footwear as a vehicle to connect with young people and empower them through encouragement and mentorship.
"Honestly, my last semester at Fayetteville State is where the idea came from," Beeks said. "I knew I wanted to go back home one day and share my story. I always loved sneakers growing up, and I wanted to find a way to motivate kids and make an impact. Touching Soles was born from that idea of touching someone's soul through motivation, one pair of shoes at a time."
Today, Touching Soles serves middle school students through sneaker giveaways and mentorship opportunities. Looking ahead, Beeks hopes to expand the organization's reach by establishing a scholarship foundation that supports students as they transition from high school to college.
"Years from now, I want Touching Soles to not only provide shoes, but also provide scholarships," Beeks said. "I want to continue pouring into young people and create opportunities that can help them achieve their goals."
During his remarks, Beeks challenged students to be fearless in pursuing their ambitions and reminded them that success often comes through perseverance.
"Whatever you want to do, shoot for it," he told the students. "Don't wait. Opportunity can be a small window sometimes. If you want to share your story, become an entrepreneur, or chase a dream, go do it. One thing you can't have is a fear of failure, because how will you ever know how to succeed if you're afraid to fail?"
The message resonated throughout the event as students received their new shoes and engaged with mentors and community leaders.
"I wanted them to understand how great they are," Beeks added. "Sometimes we dim our light trying to fit in with everyone else. I want these students to know the power they possess and the greatness that's already within them."
In addition to leading Touching Soles Inc., Beeks serves as Chief of Staff and Head of Marketing for FVV Inc., the business and brand platform of NBA All-Star and NBPA President Fred VanVleet. Through both roles, he has remained committed to connecting people with resources, relationships, and opportunities that create meaningful impact.
Before concluding the event, Beeks delivered a message to Bronco Nation and the Fayetteville community that helped launch his journey.
"Bronco Nation, Bronco Pride," said Beeks. "FSU, I'm here, I love you guys, and I want you to continue to strive for greatness."
The event served as a powerful reminder of the lasting connections between Fayetteville State University, its alumni, and the community. Through Touching Soles, Beeks continues to transform his experiences as a Bronco into opportunities that inspire and uplift the next generation.
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